East Commandery, Qiao Family.

Qiao Yue sat in his study, his face ashen and eyes vacant, resembling a dead man.

In recent days, news had been flooding in like a dam burst, overwhelming him.

He was nearly suffocating from the impact.

It turned out Wei Shao had already defeated the Northern Alliance army and won the Yellow River battle long ago.

Something the whole world knew, yet he alone remained unaware, still thinking Wei Shao was fighting a losing battle.

What was he doing when Wei Shao swiftly took Luoyang?

He had believed Zhang Pu’s words, not only aligning with Liu Yan but also blinding his brother and imprisoning him.

Now, he found himself rapidly stripped of power by Liu Yan.

Aside from receiving the empty title of Marquis of Henghai, Qiao Yue was terrified to discover that Yanzhou was no longer under his control.

Thinking of the scene that had unfolded moments ago, his hands began to tremble uncontrollably once more.

Wei Liang had arrived in East Commandery today with a troop, saying he came on the Lady’s orders to congratulate Qiao Ping on his birthday.

By the time Qiao Yue learned of this, Wei Liang had already been surrounded.

He fought his way out and escaped, but all his attendants were shot dead.

This order, of course, had not come from Qiao Yue.

When Qiao Yue heard the news, he was thunderstruck. Vaguely, as if finally understanding something, his heart raced with a sense of impending doom.

Suddenly remembering Qiao Ping, as if recalling a lifeline, he struggled to his feet and hurried towards where Qiao Ping was imprisoned.

At the door, he was stopped by the guards.

Qiao Yue, unable to contain his anger, pondered for a moment before turning to rush toward Liu Yan’s quarters.

During his stay at the Qiao residence these past days, Liu Yan had not moved into the guest house Qiao Yue had prepared for him, but instead stayed in the old residence he had lived in as a youth.

The old residence was dilapidated from years of neglect. At first, Qiao Yue refused, but Liu Yan insisted, so he had no choice but to let him have his way.

Qiao Yue barged in, only to be blocked by Liu Shan and his men.

Increasingly furious, he called out loudly. Suddenly, Liu Yan’s voice came from inside: “Let him in.”

Only then did Liu Shan allow him to pass.

Qiao Yue strode in to see Liu Yan sitting by the window in loose robes, playing a game of Go alone.

His gaze fixed on the board, fingers holding a black stone as if pondering his next move.

Qiao Yue suppressed his anger and said, “This is my Qiao family home. Why was I just prevented from seeing my second brother?”

Without looking at him, Liu Yan placed a stone with a soft click, then said calmly, “The Duke has lost his sight. I have requested a physician to treat him. He needs rest and cannot receive visitors.”

Qiao Yue felt a surge of anger in his chest but forced himself to remain calm. He continued, “I just heard that Wei Liang was ambushed outside the city gates. Was that your doing as well?”

Liu Yan did not respond, instead reaching for the jade container to grasp a few white stones, which he slowly rolled in his palm.

“Liu Yan!” Qiao Yue could no longer contain himself and called out his name directly. “These past few days, I’ve slowly begun to understand. Why has my Yanzhou been unable to receive news from our scouts? You intercepted the messages and manipulated me, didn’t you? My Qiao family once showed you kindness, yet you repay us like this! What are your intentions?”

Liu Yan glanced at him, still composed: “What’s the matter with the Marquis of Henghai? It’s only been a few days. Have you already regretted joining me and wish to seek favor with Wei Shao again? But alas—”

He sighed softly, shaking his head: “It’s too late. The whole world knows your Qiao family has abandoned the dark for the light, willingly becoming subjects of my Han Dynasty. Even if you could swallow your pride now and send your daughter to curry favor with Wei Shao as you did three years ago, I’m afraid he would no longer tolerate anyone from the Qiao family.”

Qiao Yue clenched his jaw, his face slowly turning red.

Liu Yan watched him for a moment, then suddenly opened his palm, scattering the Go stones he had been holding onto the board.

The stones spun around, emitting a faint, pleasant sound of jade against wood, before slowly coming to a stop.

Liu Yan stood up and slowly paced around the room along the wall.

Finally stopping in front of Qiao Yue, he smiled and said, “Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Qiao, allowing me to stay there many days and relive that unforgettable time of my youth. It’s time for me to leave.”

Qiao Yue was shocked: “You’ve ruined me like this and now you’re just leaving? What about the soldiers and people of Yanzhou?”

Liu Yan replied, “Lord Qiao, you’re mistaken. Wei Shao has long harbored treasonous intentions. Your allegiance to me is in line with the will of Heaven. How can that be considered harming you?”

Qiao Yue’s facial muscles twitched, his complexion turning the color of pork liver.

“I know you fear Wei Shao’s attack. Don’t worry, now that Yanzhou is Han territory, how could I not take care of it? I’ve left you assistance. General Ding Qu, who arrived with troops a few days ago—you’ve met him, right? He will temporarily assume the duties of Governor on your behalf. Lord Qiao, you can rest easy.”

Having spoken calmly, he brushed off his sleeves and turned to leave gracefully.

…

Liu Yan galloped out of the East Commandery’s city gates, not looking back.

The wind blew against his face, lifting his sleeves and the hem of his robe.

His heart was filled with a sense of satisfaction from revenge, and he felt like letting out a long howl to release the surging emotions within.

By bribing Zhang Pu with great benefits, Yanzhou became his, and the Qiao family completely cut ties with Wei Shao.

When they meet again, it will surely be in battle.

The walls of Yanzhou might not withstand Wei Shao’s military might.

But what did that matter? He didn’t care about gaining or losing a single city.

Besides, Yanzhou never belonged to him in the first place.

The reason he left the newly defected Ding Qu to guard the place was firstly to give him real power and opportunity for revenge, while also displaying his imperial grace.

Secondly, the stronger Yanzhou’s resistance, the deeper Wei Shao’s hatred for the Qiao family would become.

Could his little Qiao continue her loving relationship with Wei Shao and grow old together after this?

Liu Yan suppressed the continuous waves of satisfaction in his heart, closed his eyes, and took a long breath of the fresh air outside East Commandery’s city—air that seemed familiar to him.

This entire world would eventually return to the Han Dynasty.

And the Qiao daughter from the East Commandery Qiao family would one day belong only to him. No one could truly take her away.

Not even Wei Shao.

…

Wei Liang appeared rough on the outside but was meticulous.

When his group arrived at East Commandery that day, they stopped outside the city gates waiting to be announced. As time passed without a response, he gradually noticed something odd about the demeanor of the gate guards. With a keen instinct honed through countless battles, he ordered his attendants to retreat.

But it was still a step too late.

Suddenly, a dense mass of foot archers and mounted archers poured out from inside the city gates, while arrows flew from the top of the walls. In an instant, they were surrounded.

Wei Liang, brave and invincible, fought his way out of the encirclement, but all his attendants died in the hail of arrows. He was severely wounded and pursued to Xu, bordering Yanzhou, before finally shaking off his pursuers. He was then sent back to Luoyang by Dong Mao, the Governor of Xu.

Despite the palace physicians’ best efforts to save him, his injuries were severe, and he remained in a coma.

Wei Shao had rushed back to Luoyang last night.

For an entire night, he stayed awake by Wei Liang’s side without rest.

Gong Sun Yang, Wei Quanzhu, and others waited outside, not daring to enter.

At dawn the next day, they finally heard heavy footsteps approaching from inside. Everyone hurried to greet him.

They saw Wei Shao emerge, his eyes bloodshot.

Gong Sun Yang suppressed his unease and quickly approached, saying, “My Lord, there must be some misunderstanding. The Qiao family surely wouldn’t—”

“Relay my orders: gather the troops. Lei Ze and Tan Fu will accompany me to attack Yanzhou. Summon the best physicians from across the land to treat General Wei with all their efforts! The rest shall remain at their posts and await orders! Anyone who moves without permission will be dealt with according to military law!”

Wei Shao ignored him, speaking each word hoarsely.

Then he strode away.

…

The day Xiao Qiao learned this news, her daughter was almost two months old.

She had grown even prettier than when she was born, a little snow-white bundle who, when she smiled, seemed to have all the flowers of a spring garden blooming in her dark, lively eyes.

Lady Xu adored her immensely. Since the baby’s full month celebration, she would hold her every day and talk to her.

The originally somewhat empty Wei family mansion had been filled with countless laughs and vitality since Fei Fei’s birth and daily growth.

On this pleasant early summer afternoon, Xiao Qiao was accompanying Lady Xu as usual, watching her rock Fei Fei to sleep.

Fei Fei was an energetic little one. But at this moment, well-fed and content, she closed her eyes with their long, curled lashes and fell asleep peacefully in her great-grandmother’s arms.

Lady Xu, reluctant to hand her over for fear of disturbing her, personally stood up, carried her into the inner room, placed her on the bed, and tucked her in.

“Have you received any letters from Shao recently?” Lady Xu asked Xiao Qiao after coming out.

Xiao Qiao shook her head.

Lady Xu pondered for a moment, then smiled, “He must be busy with affairs in Luoyang and unable to return. Don’t worry. I’ll write a letter to inquire right away.”

Since the letter announcing the birth was sent, there has been no response from Wei Shao.

The Yellow River battle had ended. Even if Wei Shao was too busy to return, he shouldn’t have failed to send even a reply.

It was indeed unusual.

Xiao Qiao knew Lady Xu was concerned she might be worried, fearing that having a daughter might not please Wei Shao. Like Lady Zhu, who, though she said nothing, couldn’t hide her disappointment.

Grateful in her heart, she was about to speak when suddenly Zhong Ao hurriedly entered from outside, saying, “My Lady, Young Master Qiao has arrived.” She paused briefly, “Young Master Qiao seems to have urgent business.”

Xiao Qiao was very surprised.

It had been a long time since she had seen her brother.

Learning that he had come to Yu Yang should have been a joyous occasion.

But for some reason, her heart sank, intuitively feeling that something had happened.

Something bad.

She immediately looked at Lady Xu.

Lady Xu nodded, “Go quickly.”

Xiao Qiao hurried back to the east room and saw Qiao Ci, growing even more shocked.

Qiao Ci hadn’t slept for several days and nights. He was travel-worn, his eyes red, his expression haggard and anxious.

As soon as he saw Xiao Qiao, he rushed towards her.

“Sister! Something has happened in Yanzhou! Military Advisor Gong Sun told me to come find you quickly!”

…

Over these two months, although Xiao Qiao had gradually sensed that something was amiss—Wei Shao shouldn’t have delayed his return so long after the war ended—she could never have imagined that in such a short time, Yanzhou would have undergone such earth-shattering changes.

Her father’s fate was unknown.

Her uncle Qiao Yue had not only pledged allegiance to Liu Yan in her father’s name but also harmed Wei Liang, who had come unsuspectingly to wish her father a happy birthday. Wei Liang was severely injured and in critical condition, inciting Wei Shao to lead troops against Yanzhou in anger. Along the way, no one dared to stand in his path. The governors of Xingyang, Chenliu, and other places all yielded, allowing his army to pass through as if through unoccupied territory.

“Sister, after I escaped from the city that day, thinking my brother-in-law was still besieged by the allied forces, I went to seek help from our eldest sister’s husband. I didn’t expect Liu Yan had already made preparations, sending Qingzhou troops to attack Lingbi. Our eldest sister’s husband was blocked and couldn’t reach Yanzhou in time. By the time we defeated the Qingzhou troops and rushed to Yanzhou, we learned that Yanzhou had completely fallen into Liu Yan’s hands, and General Wei Liang had been ambushed. When my brother-in-law sent troops towards Yanzhou, he sent a message ordering our eldest sister’s husband not to interfere, or he would be treated as an enemy. Our eldest sister’s husband has temporarily stationed his troops at Juye. I went to seek an audience with my brother-in-law, wanting to explain the whole situation. But I wasn’t granted a meeting; my brother-in-law refused to see me. Military Advisor Gong Sun instructed me to come quickly to ask for your help, sister, to think of a way!”

Xiao Qiao’s heart raced wildly, and her face suddenly drained of all color.

Composing herself, she comforted Qiao Ci briefly and had someone take him to rest. She immediately returned to the north room. As soon as she entered, she knelt before Lady Xu, kowtowing and remaining motionless for a long time.

“Has something happened? Get up and tell me slowly.” Lady Xu’s voice sounded above her head, as steady as always. As if carrying a power that could calm one’s fears.

But at this moment, Xiao Qiao couldn’t raise her head.

She also felt ashamed to face her.

“Grandmother, when General Wei Liang went to Yanzhou, he was ambushed and severely injured. He’s in a coma. And it was my Qiao family who harmed him,” she said, holding back tears that threatened to spill.

The room suddenly fell silent.

Xiao Qiao remained kneeling, her forehead touching the ground, motionless.

After a long while, she heard Lady Xu’s voice, now somewhat hoarse, speak again: “Raise your head! Speak!”

Her voice had turned slightly stern.

Xiao Qiao straightened up and recounted what she had heard from Qiao Ci.

“Grandmother, Liu Yan manipulated this situation, taking advantage of the discord between my uncle and father to not only control Yanzhou but also put my father’s life in danger. There must be many misunderstandings in this matter. My husband is now angrily leading troops to Yanzhou for revenge. My brother sought an audience with him, but he refused to see him. With no other choice, he rushed here to Yu Yang for help. I beg Grandmother to allow me to go to Yanzhou to meet my husband and explain everything clearly. It’s not that I want to absolve the Qiao family of responsibility. For General Wei Liang and others to be ambushed without cause, even if Qiao family members pay with their lives, it wouldn’t be enough to soothe the pain of their loved ones. I have no objections to that. I hate Liu Yan for his malicious intentions and don’t want his scheming to succeed! I beg Grandmother to look after Fei Fei for a few days while I set out as soon as possible!”

She kowtowed again.

“Go then. Let Jia Si escort you there quickly. I will take care of Fei Fei,” Lady Xu said slowly after a moment.